Media statement by Nomonde Mbadi, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs
The Interior Design Programme at the Durban University of Technology annually selects an underprivileged or charitable organisation seeking to transform and refurbish their premises. Once the projects parameters have been determined by the community and the university, students are commissioned to design and physically implement the project. This realisation relies solely on funding and sponsorship, sourced by staff and students. The project forms part of the student’s work-integrated learning experience.
The project for 2009 is the refurbishment of the Peace Players International-South Africa (PPI-SA) offices, situated at Suite 1502, Kingsfield Place, 30 Field Street, Durban. The project is intended to motivate and boost morale of coaches/staff who work with children. This also aims to provide them with a positive and functional work environment.
The second year students have spent the past three weeks applying their design skills to produce 2-D and 3-D drawings and models to illustrate their solutions. Lecturers and representatives from PPI-SA and the South African Institute of Interior Design professions are in the process of selected the winning scheme, which the second year class will implement on site, from 13 until 17 July.
PPI-SA is a Durban-based non-profit organisation that uses the sport of basketball as a vehicle to positively impact the lives of children and young adults. Founded in 2001, PPI – SA works with over 2,000 young people annually. Using basketball as a medium, coaches who reside in the same areas in which they coach, forge close bonds with children. By forming these trusting relationships, coaches are well-positioned to teach basketball and discuss the complex issues that arise in our Life Skills Programme, which focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention.
The offices of PPI-SA consist of a reception, meeting room, training room, kitchen, offices and storeroom, which at present, in no way reflect the enthusiasm and passion of their dedicated staff. The space is a hub of activity, with all of PPI–SA’s nearly 100 staff members coming and going with regularity. In addition to the common day-to-day work of the staff, the space is used for professional development training and frequent group meetings. Being a non-profit organisation and working with children in difficult areas, the organisation and its staff face daily challenges. Dealing with poor office equipment and lack of supplies adds to this stress and even de-motivates staff from time to time
The following sponsorship requirements are imperative to a successful revamp of the office space:
Furniture: Office desks, reception desk, chairs, storage solutions, stationary cupboards, couches and arm chairs, side tables, servers, boardroom table, TV stand, filing systems
Fittings and finishes: shelving, blinds, lighting, carpet tiles, rugs, paint and paint equipment, fabric, cushions, whiteboards and pin boards, waste paper bins, desk accessories
Electrical equipment: kettle, toaster, microwave, bar fridge
Labour: painter, upholsterer, electrician, shop-fitter, signage specialist
Financial donations will also be appreciated. PPI-SA banking details are as follows:
Account name: Playing for Peace, Bank: FNB, Acc No.: 62050867468, Account type: Cheque, Branch name and No.: Musgrave 221126, REFERENCE: DUT 2009. Please fax deposit slips to Michelle Hankinson – see details below.
Those willing to assist may contact Michelle Hankinson (Lecturer, Interior Design programme) at the Durban University of Technology – Telephone: 031 373 6507, Fax: 031 373 6505, Mobile phone: 083 662 2104 , Email: michelleh@dut.ac.za.
For more information about PeacePlayers International, kindly visit their website to learn more: http://www.peaceplayersintl.org